Volvo Trucks has rolled out its all-new fuel-saving Aero range in Australia, after debuting in Europe earlier this year – with overseas testing showing efficiency improvements of up to five percent.
The FH Aero will be available in Australia with a choice of 13-litre and 17-litre Euro 6 diesel engines, as well as Volvo’s heavy-duty electric driveline.
Perhaps the ultimate fuel saver will be the FH-Aero in I-Save guise; this turbo-compound unit is rated at 500hp yet also punches out 2800Nm of torque.
The proven 13-liter 540 also remains an option for Aero as does the new D17 powerplant in ratings from 600hp and 3000Nm up to 700hp and 3400Nm.
Aero cab options span sleeper, Globetrotter XL, and Globetrotter XXL options and feature Volvo’s newly launched Camera Monitor System (CMS) is also standard equipment on FH Aero.
CMS features a zoom-out function, automatic panning that tracks the rear of the vehicle while negotiating intersections, fixed reverse panning, and an infrared mode for low light conditions. CMS drastically improves the driver’s field of view around the truck.
“We’re super excited to be launching the Aero range here in Australia,” said Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President, Tom Chapman.
“This truck represents a critical step along the path to sustainable transport as well as lowering running costs for operators along the way.
“The drive experience of this vehicle is nothing short of astonishing; the performance of our new generation I-Shift transmission coupled with our refined Euro 6 engine range or our powerful electric drivetrain will find no complaints from drivers.”
Aerodynamic improvements have been achieved by extending the front of the existing FH cab by 240mm, allowing for a smoother, more rounded frontal area to reduce drag and energy consumption while remaining within the 26-meter B-double envelope.
“The range of power plant options allows operators to tailor their Aero perfectly for their application,” Mr Chapman said.
“From our I-Save engine to our fantastic new D17 powerhouse, we can choose to gear this truck for maximum line-haul efficiency.
“This is a remarkably smooth and quiet vehicle to drive,” continues Chapman, “However, safety as always is paramount for us, with added features like Pilot Assist and Front Short Range Assist for detecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians which are available across the Volvo heavy-duty range.”
Diesel-powered FH Aero variants will be built at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol manufacturing facility from mid-2025 and the order books will open in December 2024.
